Imperial County, CA Garage & Yard Sales: Frequency, Duration & Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit needed
- No, if conditions met
- Sign size cap
- 9 sq ft
- Sign on private land
- Needs owner's permission
- Non-compliance
- Misdemeanor citation
Summary
Imperial County does not require a special use permit for a garage or yard sale in the R-1 zone as long as the sale meets the code's listed conditions.
Garage or yard sales are permitted without special use permits, provided they meet the following conditions:...G.Directional signs may be placed on public right-of-way provided they do not interfere with traffic.H.Directional signs on private property shall have property owners (not tenants) permission.J.No signs shall be posted on utility posts/pole, or other highway information or directional sign.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 62 - 9-25).
Full Breakdown
Imperial County Code § 90502.14 lets homeowners in the R-1 zone hold a garage or yard sale without applying for a special use permit, so long as the sale meets the section's conditions: no more than two sales a year, each capped at two consecutive days, contained on the property, with no resale merchandise, and directional signs limited to nine square feet that come down within 24 hours. Signs may go on the public right-of-way if they don't obstruct traffic, and signs on private property need the owner's permission. Breaking any of these conditions is a misdemeanor.
Violations & Fines
Selling from a garage sale that violates the code's conditions - too many sales, oversized or unauthorized directional signs, goods bought for resale - turns the no-permit sale into a misdemeanor violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a yard sale in Imperial County?
Can I put sale signs on someone else's property?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Imperial County
California rules heatmap·Compare Imperial County to another location·View the California garage & yard sales overview
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